Eugene J. Rinck, 90, of Millstadt, IL, born September 14, 1935, in Belleville, IL, died Friday, April 10, 2026, at Accolade Healthcare of Waterloo, IL.
Mr. Rinck graduated from Belleville West High School in 1954 and Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in 1956. He served as Staff Sargent in the Air National Guard from 1957- 1963.
In 1964, he married Shirley Mae, nee Koch Rinck. They had a daughter, two sons, two granddaughters, and a grandson. In 1965, he graduated from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL, with a BS degree in business administration, with a major in management. In 1957, he began a career in Insurance. In 1977, he was transferred by his employer, Industrial Risk Insurers, to Nashville, TN, and was promoted to manager of their Nashville Office. In 1984, he was transferred to their Chicago, IL, Regional Office and promoted to account executive. Mr. Rinck retired in September 1990, after 30 ½ years in the insurance industry, and returned to Southwestern IL, where he took up residence in rural Millstadt.
His retirement was spent restoring vintage vehicles such as his 1963 Studebaker Avanti and car club activities. He was a member of St. James Church, Millstadt, IL, and the Over 50 club. Also, he was a long-time member of the Belleville Gear Jammers, Inc, Gateway Avanti Owners, and Mo and IL Studebaker Drivers Club.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Shirley M. Rinck, nee Koch, who died on March 16, 2026; a son, Gene John Rinck; his parents, Eugene C. and Adelaide, nee Reeb, Rinck; and his sister, Maryjean (Kenny), nee Rinck, Dressler.
He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Rinck; a son, Shawn Rinck; and three grandchildren, Quynn, Caitlin, and Olive.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Millstadt Senior Center. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. Marvin Volk officiating.
Burial will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
